Estonian troops find 85 kilograms of drugs, IED factory in Afghanistan

Photo: Raigo Pajula.

The Estonian infantry company ESTCOY-15 serving in Afghanistan discovered nearly 85 kilograms of narcotics and a factory for making improvised explosive devices, and seized weapons and communication equipment from anti-government insurgents during this week's operations.

The aim of the three operations was to give support to Afghan security forces and impede the spring offensive of anti-government elements, military spokespeople in Tallinn said.

A search prompted by intelligence data revealed an IED factory together with finished bombs and material for making more. The soldiers also confiscated 15 kilograms of opium liquid and 70 kilograms of a narcotic substance provisionally identified as opium, as well as a firearm and a machine gun that had recently been used in an attack on a patrol base of the International Security Assistance Force.

The commander of the company, Maj. Tonis Metjer, said the soldiers' actions served the purpose and helped local security forces to carry out planned operations in the desert region. The resultful activity of ESTCOY was recognized by the command of Task Force Helmand as well. "We proved once again that Estonians are a very well trained unit with a high response and maneuvering capability. The new company certainly won't have to be idle, either," Metjer added.

The company is currently busy with equipment maintenance and preparations for receiving the next contingent. "To my mind, all the men have given their maximum and done a good job," Metjer said looking back at the soon-to-end mission.

ESTCOY-15 was deployed to Afghanistan in November and will return to Estonia in the second half of May.